Past catches up with Stam

By Adrian Clarke

Jaap Stam has warned his AC Milan team-mates not to be lulled into a false sense of security when they tackle his former club PSV Eindhoven in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Injury battle
After eliminating Manchester United FC and FC Internazionale Milano in the last two rounds, Carlo Ancelotti's side are overwhelming favourites to beat the Dutch champions over two legs and reach the 25 May final in Istanbul. But 32-year-old Stam - who has overcome a hamstring injury and is fit to play tonight - believes it would be foolish to underestimate their opponents.

Grit over glamour
"I think PSV Eindhoven are vastly underrated," Stam told uefa.com. "They keep on winning in all competitions under Guus Hiddink and the treble is still on for them. They are dangerous opponents without a doubt. PSV are not known as a big, glamorous club but they have a quality side and that is all that matters.

All-round strength
"They keep things tight but they are also a team which is more than capable of scoring on the counterattack," he continued. "It's vital that we don't switch off against them in the home leg because an away goal will make life difficult for us. Over the two legs I am confident that Milan will beat PSV Eindhoven but it won't be as easy as some people are trying to suggest."

Midfield danger
Hiddink's men are brimming with confidence ahead of the first leg at the San Siro after clinching their fourth Eredivisie title in six years last weekend with a 3-0 victory over SBV Vitesse at the Philips stadium. After watching their progress closely this season, Stam is convinced a dynamic central midfield has been the key to their success.

Important axis
He said: "PSV's main strength is their team unit, but it's two of their central midfielders who make them tick. My former Netherlands team-mates Phillip Cocu and Mark van Bommel are both extremely important to them and if they play well any side will find it difficult to play against them, including us.

Useful experience
"Phillip Cocu has been inspirational for PSV since going back to Holland at the start of this season. He has been a key man in their success and performed consistently all year. They have a lot of young players in their squad, so I think Cocu's experience has helped them a great deal."

Lingering affection
Ex-Dutch international Stam left PSV for United in a record €15m deal in 1998, but has made no secret of the fact he still has great affection for the club. The defender was delighted to draw his old team, saying: "From a personal point of view it was a nice semi-final draw because it gives me a great opportunity to renew old acquaintances. It will be fun to see a few old faces," he said.

Porto comparisons
As underdogs, PSV have been compared to surprise 2004 Champions League winners FC Porto. But Stam fears that the Eredivisie's finest may suffer a similar fate to Porto as a result of their success. "My only concern for PSV is that their team may break up in a similar way to Porto," he said. "Once they did well in the Champions League, Porto lost their best players. It will be a big shame if PSV lose players as a result of their success this season."

Jaap Stam's personal website is at www.icons.com